Falling from Heaven - A Child's Memoir of Abuse and Survival

I grew up in the loving care of my grandparents - a safe and happy haven that felt like heaven on earth.

But one day my mother came to take me away. She said I had to live with her from now on. What followed was hell. My mother was an alcoholic. When she was drunk, she would become vicious-beating me, yelling at me, and hurling cruel insults. Her boyfriend, whom I was forced to call "Dad," did unspeakable things to me. When my little sister, Antonia, was born with Down syndrome, my mother completely abandoned her responsibilities. I became the only one caring for Antonia, doing everything I could to protect her from harm. But when I learned that my stepfather was also abusing Antonia, I knew something had to change. At just five years old, I began to plan a way to protect my sister and escape the nightmare we were living. Martina Woknitz, herself a victim of severe childhood abuse, brings Cecilia's harrowing journey of survival to life in this raw and powerful biography. With courage and compassion, she shares this story not only to confront the darkness of her past, but to give a voice to those who cannot yet speak for themselves.

This true account reveals the devastating realities of childhood abuse while shining a light on resilience, hope, and the unwavering will to survive against all odds. More than a biography, Falling from Heaven is a call to recognize, understand, and fight for the safety and dignity of every child.